Central govt abolishes mandatory EV battery safety tests for incentives
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Central govt abolishes mandatory EV battery safety tests for incentives

The Central Government took a significant step by abolishing the mandatory human safety tests for electric vehicle (EV) batteries that were previously required to qualify for incentives under various government schemes.

In its latest guidelines, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has streamlined the requirements for receiving incentives under the Central Government's various incentive programs. Now, compliance with the prevailing EV battery testing standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is the sole prerequisite for eligibility.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries' guidelines emphasised that EV and battery safety compliance standards, already rigorously defined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are sufficient and must be adhered to.

These tests were originally introduced by the ministry on November 2, 2022, but the industry received a six-month extension in April. It was reported on April 29 that the ministry had extended the deadline until October 1.

The decision to do away with mandatory human safety tests was based on the findings of a committee led by the Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The committee concluded that the testing standards established by MoRTH adequately meet the current requirements of the EV industry. ARAI is a key testing and certification agency authorised by the Government of India.

Both the Ministry of Heavy Industries and MoRTH, which are the two primary ministries responsible for regulating the transportation and EV sectors, had previously issued separate sets of battery safety standards. This action followed numerous incidents of EV fires reported in the country last year.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries had made human safety tests obligatory for eligibility under programs such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for the automotive and auto components sectors, as well as advanced chemistry cells.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries' testing criteria were more stringent than those of MoRTH, involving checks at three levels, including the cell, battery management system, and battery pack. MoRTH's guidelines were also mandatory for vehicle manufacturing.

Government officials cited the breach of administrative control as one of the reasons for scrapping these norms. They explained that the authority for manufacturing, registration, and operational rules for automobiles falls under MoRTH's jurisdiction. Since MoRTH's testing standards are already in place, there is no need for additional certification, according to an official involved in the decision.

The Central Government took a significant step by abolishing the mandatory human safety tests for electric vehicle (EV) batteries that were previously required to qualify for incentives under various government schemes.In its latest guidelines, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has streamlined the requirements for receiving incentives under the Central Government's various incentive programs. Now, compliance with the prevailing EV battery testing standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is the sole prerequisite for eligibility.The Ministry of Heavy Industries' guidelines emphasised that EV and battery safety compliance standards, already rigorously defined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are sufficient and must be adhered to.These tests were originally introduced by the ministry on November 2, 2022, but the industry received a six-month extension in April. It was reported on April 29 that the ministry had extended the deadline until October 1.The decision to do away with mandatory human safety tests was based on the findings of a committee led by the Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The committee concluded that the testing standards established by MoRTH adequately meet the current requirements of the EV industry. ARAI is a key testing and certification agency authorised by the Government of India.Both the Ministry of Heavy Industries and MoRTH, which are the two primary ministries responsible for regulating the transportation and EV sectors, had previously issued separate sets of battery safety standards. This action followed numerous incidents of EV fires reported in the country last year.The Ministry of Heavy Industries had made human safety tests obligatory for eligibility under programs such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for the automotive and auto components sectors, as well as advanced chemistry cells.The Ministry of Heavy Industries' testing criteria were more stringent than those of MoRTH, involving checks at three levels, including the cell, battery management system, and battery pack. MoRTH's guidelines were also mandatory for vehicle manufacturing.Government officials cited the breach of administrative control as one of the reasons for scrapping these norms. They explained that the authority for manufacturing, registration, and operational rules for automobiles falls under MoRTH's jurisdiction. Since MoRTH's testing standards are already in place, there is no need for additional certification, according to an official involved in the decision.

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?